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LOCK HAVEN -- Lock Haven City Council elected in a 4-3 vote to put in place a resolution which will only allow the American and POW/MIA flags to be flown on poles in city parks.
The passing of this resolution comes after multiple meetings and a large group of public comments since February.
Discussion surrounding flags and the city's resolution first began after council, in a 4-2 vote, elected to place a Christian flag in Triangle Park for the month of April.
Since the vote in February, city residents and other members of the public have voiced opposition to the move. Many cited the ties to Faith Month in April -- implemented by the Concerned Women for America -- that was used to explain why the request was made.
It was noted during previous meetings, the CWA was classified as an LGBTQ+ hate group by Southern Poverty Law Center, which led to many's concerns. Others noted the use of the word "faith" implies other religions and not just Christianity.
During Monday's city council meeting, Bill Stankiewicz, a city resident who requested the flag be flown, emphasized his request was not tied to the CWA.
"I wanted to see the Christian flag fly because it was my impression as a result of the opening up of flying flags that it was open for anyone," Stankiewicz said.
At its March 27 meeting, council was presented with a resolution - drafted by Solicitor Justin Houser -- which would have allowed six particular flags to be flown throughout the year. The ordinance also noted the flags on the poles represented the city's speech.
The ordinance was drafted after Councilmember Jeff Brinker cited concerns about the resolution violating free speech rights of its citizens.
That resolution did not pass in a 3-4 vote, with the majority of council requesting a new resolution be drafted that only allowed the American Flag and POW/MIA flag be presented on the city flag poles, including in Triangle Park.
Prior to the vote, council heard from multiple members of the community -- both residents or tax payers of the city and Clinton County residents -- along with some of its own members.
Council Member Heather Alexander requested the opportunity to clarify her position on the issue. Previously, Alexander voted down the resolution which would have allowed various flags to be flown in the park.
Alexander addressed the word "coward" which she'd heard directed to members of council, noting a person who runs for public office is not.
"This is a learning process for everyone and sometimes a personal belief may not be in the best interest of the community. I think we can all agree that we want to see our community make forward progress," she said.
Alexander acknowledged that progress often leads to struggles.
"Forward progress doesn't happen overnight and it doesn't happen without bumpy roads," she said. "We have to celebrate the small wins and navigate the bumpy moments."
Alexander said her vote at previous meetings has been based "on the guidance of our solicitor and people's First Amendment right."
City resident Jennifer Walker spoke in favor of council continuing to allow the Pride Flag to be flown in Triangle Park during Pride Month in June.
Walker explained she grew up in a very loving household, with a very supportive father who was a member of the LGBTQ community.
"I remember attending gay/straight alliance meetings 30 years ago at my college with my dad. The group was called Cornerstones, my dad was gay," she said. "He was also a carpenter, provider and a Christian. He made elaborate birthday cakes and Halloween costumes."
Walker, who is an outpatient community mental health therapist in Clinton and Lycoming counties, said she works with many individuals who are bullied at school and work for being a member of the LGBTQ community.
"I sit with people who still hide their truth from loved ones with whom they respect, out of fear of being shamed or shunned. Some even consider suicide due to mistreatment and stigmitization."
She noted, however, that she's also seen families overcome their fears and judgment to become allies for their loved ones.
Walker said she and her husband, Greg, a professor at Commonwealth University-Lock Haven, have instilled acceptance into their four children's lives.
"Greg and I take parenting very seriously. When I was a stay-at-home mom I took my kids to the Ross Library for many story times. We also continue to take them to drag events, pride events and our family is good friends with people who identify as LGBTQ."
Walker said, although none of her children are part of the LGBTQ community, she is confident they will stand up for those who are.
"In my opinion, the Pride Flag and the people it represents is not a special interest group," she said. "Seeing the Pride Flag in my community makes me feel comforted and proud to live here. It represents acceptance, safety and prosperity."
Dave Winkelman, a resident of Pine Creek Township and a business owner within the city, emphasized Stankiewicz's point.
"The CWA did not request the Christian flag fly. Bill Stankiewicz did. This has nothing to do with the Concerned Women for America. It has everything to do with the First Amendment rights of a Lock Haven citizen," Winkelman said.
City resident Jackie Conklin said, although the CWA did not make the proposal, the Christian flag flying in April due to its Faith Month still creates a tie.
"As far as I see it, today and the next 30 days, it is their flag hanging on our flag pole in Triangle Park. Because that's what you all voted for," she said.
City resident Elsa Winch said the resolution, which was presented to council when Stankiewicz made the request, is tied to the CWA.
"As a Jewish person, I find it hard to see the affirmation of the Christian flag flying in town, where I have always felt welcomed," she said.
Winch said she was against flying the Christian flag because it does not represent all people of faith.
"I actually share the same Judeo-Christian ethics that you do, but I do not want a Christian flag to represent me," she said. "I also am not really in favor of flying a star of David because I'm sure, for some people, it would not represent them."
Resident Don Harger said he takes no offense to those who choose to fly the Pride flag on their own property.
"I have no offense with anyone flying this flag in their yard," he said, noting his son is a member of the LGBT community. "If you want to fly this flag in your yard, that's your privilege."
Harger said he sympathizes with members of the LGBTQ community.
"I disagree with the flag being flown on our pole... two flags should be flown," he said.
Resident Micah Clausen suggested council consider using a petition system to allow flags or other requests to go through.
Clausen noted he's Christian but has a sister who is a member of the LGBTQ community.
"I was pretty shocked by it. I didn't understand and I still don't understand it, but I love my sister," he said. "I kind of see both sides on this."
Clausen said the community as a whole already had a flag that represents them - the American flag.
Ultimately the resolution passed 4-3, with members Brinker, Alexander, Steve Stevenson and Mayor Joel Long voting yes. Council members Rick Conklin, Barbara Masorti and Tami Brannan voted against the action.
Prior to his vote, Long emphasized his decision to vote to hang the Christian flag, and his subsequent votes since, were not born out of hate.
"Our intent is, was and always has been to be welcoming to everyone," Long said.
According to Wilson, the resolution will take effect on July 1, 2024.
"The protestant Christian flag will fly as a secondary flag in April, the Gold Star Service flag in May, and the Pride flag in June will fly as secondary flags. Beginning July 1, there will be a "reset" of sorts where only the US Flag will fly," Wilson told The Express. "Under the resolution adopted Monday, Council adopted that the flags to be flown on the flagpoles in the city parks shall be an expression of Council's own speech, and not private or individual speech any longer. The resolution points out that Council will longer take public requests for the flying of secondary flags; however, Council itself may adopt another resolution to fly any secondary flag of its own choosing in the future as it deems appropriate."